Meet Elizabeth

Artist Statement

“Shimmers of Light” defines my work—both in vision and technique. As a watercolor artist and Graduate Gemologist with a background in fine art, jewelry, and children’s fiction, I see storytelling in everything I create. Using gouache watercolors layered with a pearlescent finish, I capture the way light dances on water and shifts across the sky, creating a luminous sense of movement. This shimmering technique adds depth and life to my landscapes, evoking a quiet, almost magical presence. I paint in nature outdoors and from photographs in my studio.

Beauty is essential—it anchors us in difficult times and elevates our moments of wonder. My work invites viewers to pause, connect, and see the world in a new light. Through each painting, I seek to capture nature’s quiet brilliance—a reminder that beauty is always present, waiting to shimmer into view.

About Elizabeth

An accomplished GIA Graduate Gemologist, Elizabeth Van Tassel is the founder of her own art and design studio and Treasured Gems Jewelry. She combines her expertise in gemology with artistic vision to create meaningful gifts, contemporary landscapes, fantasy-inspired art, textiles, and elevated jewelry for both every day and special occasions. An avid believer in the power of imagination and faith to overcome life’s challenges, Elizabeth wears many hats: she’s a children’s book author, an inspirational speaker, and a community builder in Boise, Idaho. She actively supports artists, writers, and women’s groups while staying deeply engaged in the creative and jewelry industries.Her personal experiences as a wildfire survivor add depth to her storytelling, infusing her books with themes of resilience, hope, and mystery. Elizabeth’s love of folklore and gemological detail brings unique, modern adventures to life—stories that encourage readers to find light even in life’s darkest seasons.

When she’s not writing or designing, you can find Elizabeth enjoying Idaho’s great outdoors. Whether painting by a tranquil lake, designing nature-inspired jewelry, or crafting STEM-based stories infused with whimsy, she brings a sense of wonder and possibility to all her work. Through her art, jewelry, and speaking engagements, Elizabeth helps others discover joy, strength, and the diamond-resilient spirit needed to thrive in every chapter of life.

Elizabeth lives in the Boise area with her husband of over 25 years and their two adventurous sons, who now tower a foot above her.

In the studio, one of her favorite places to create.